The Zimbabwean government has intensified efforts to stop illegal land invasions and unauthorised land sales across the country, warning that communal land is...
The Zimbabwean government has intensified efforts to stop illegal land invasions and unauthorised land sales across the country, warning that communal land is not for sale and urging citizens to report suspicious activities to authorities.
Addressing the media in Harare yesterday, Presidential Affairs and Devolution Permanent Secretary Tafadzwa Muguti said the Office of the President and Cabinet, working together with the Ministry of Lands and Rural Development, was stepping up measures to protect rural communities from exploitation by land barons and corrupt individuals.
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Engineer Muguti said government had noted a growing increase in illegal land invasions and unauthorised allocations in several parts of the country.
“Our position is very clear that communal land is not for sale,” he said.
“We are noticing rampant and escalating invasions of land taking place across the country.”
The warning comes amid reports that some traditional leaders and land dealers are allegedly selling communal and State land illegally to home seekers, particularly people from urban areas looking for residential stands.
Authorities say the practice has contributed to disorderly settlements, land disputes and the growth of unregulated housing developments in some rural and peri-urban communities.
Engineer Muguti urged villagers and community members to report illegal land transactions directly to law enforcement agencies and local authorities.
“You have the right to report this matter directly to the police. You also have the right to approach ministers of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution or district development coordinators,” he said.
He stressed that traditional leaders are prohibited from selling communal land or accepting payments for land allocations under the country’s land laws.
According to government, the Communal Lands Act clearly outlines that communal land is administered on behalf of communities and cannot legally be sold by chiefs, village heads or any other local authorities.
The crackdown forms part of broader government efforts to restore order in land administration and curb the activities of land barons accused of illegally parcelling out land without official approval.
Government officials say illegal land allocations often leave home seekers vulnerable to losing money after purchasing land without legal ownership documents or approved settlement plans.
The latest intervention also follows recent announcements by Vangelis Haritatos that government will soon launch a nationwide land audit targeting underutilised farms, multiple farm ownership and irregular land allocations.
Authorities say the audit will use technologies such as drone verification, satellite imagery and digital mapping systems to identify illegal settlements and verify lawful land use across the country.
Government has repeatedly warned citizens against buying land from unauthorised individuals, saying all land allocations must go through approved legal channels.
Officials maintain that tighter enforcement measures are necessary to protect communities, preserve orderly development and prevent further disputes linked to illegal land sales.
The government says it will continue working with traditional leaders, rural district councils, the Zimbabwe Land Commission and law enforcement agencies to investigate illegal land deals and enforce action against those found violating land laws.
